Image application software providing a list of user selectable tasks

Abstract

A method of using stored digital images transferred from an imaging device includes receiving and storing images from the imaging device in a memory associated with a computer, receiving at least one control file from the imaging device which indicates a prior intention for subsequent use of the stored images, and the computer responding to the control file to create and display a list of tasks selectable by a computer user in accordance with the prior intention. The method also includes the computer user selecting at least one of the tasks from the list, and the computer responding to the user selected task(s) to initiate the use of images indicated by the selected task(s).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to effectively using digital images and control files produced by a digital camera, and more particularly to using such digital images and control files in a computer to facilitate user selection of particular tasks.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]As prices of digital cameras fall and image quality improves, more consumers will use digital cameras to fill their image capturing needs. Digital cameras offer many benefits. However, they also present some difficulties. In particular, obtaining high quality prints from digital cameras is not an easy task for most consumers.[0003]As described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 977,382, filed Nov. 24, 1997 by Kenneth A. Parulski et al., entitled “Electronic Camera With ‘Utilization’ Selection Capability”, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference, a digital camera can be used to review images and select images to be printed or emailed to othe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]It is an advantage of the present invention that the control file produced by a digital camera can be used by a computer to produce a list of selectable tasks.

[0017]It is a further advantage of the present invention that these tasks can be modified by the user on the computer, if desired.

[0018]It is a still further advantage of the present invention that the user can delay the initiation of a task until an appropriate time.

[0019]It is still further advantage of the present invention to delete the control file and corresponding digital images from the digital memory in the digital camera, prior to performing the tasks indicated in the control file.

[0020]These and other aspects, objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood and appreciated from a review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and appended claims, and by reference to the accompanying drawings.

Problems solved by technology

However, they also present some difficulties.

In particular, obtaining high quality prints from digital cameras is not an easy task for most consumers.

While the foregoing methods can be used to obtain prints from the digital image files, they often involve complex and / or repetitive user tasks.

Unfortunately, current systems do not provide an easy way for a user to initiate such printing at a later time.

Images